Should the hemorrhage have ceased, leave the horse undisturbed for the night. On the following day, if no blood has been noticed, have the animal gently led under cover. Then proceed to examine the horse per rectum. If the kidneys are not enlarged, hardened, or sensitive, and if the bladder is without stone, but of its natural thickness, there is every prospect of a favorable termination.
Should the bladder be thickened, adopt the treatment laid down for cystitis; if stone is discovered, an operation is indicated; be the kidneys disorganized, the case is hopeless. If none of these are present, then any of the following medicines may be experimented with, it always being uncertain which will prove beneficial:—
| Extract of catechu | In one-ounce doses daily. |
| Strong infusion of oak bark | Three pints daily. |
| Alum | One ounce daily. |
| Sulphate of iron or of copper | One ounce daily. |
| Muriatic acid | Six drachms daily. |
DIABETES INSIPIDUS, OR PROFUSE STALING.
In this affection, which, properly treated, is but a passing annoyance, the thirst is enormous; but more fluid is voided than the animal drinks. The strength and condition are quickly lost, while the flesh fades rapidly away.
Either the horse has been tampered with by the groom, or the hay, oats, or beans are unsound. A sudden change of water is said to produce the disorder; but that, probably, is far more a stable excuse than an established cause. However, change both food and water. Take into the stable two slips of blotting-paper. Dip the ends of them into some of the urine, which will always be retained in the interspaces of the brick flooring. Smell one piece. If it communicates a scent resembling violets, that is proof positive turpentine has been administered. Dry the other piece. Should that, when perfectly dry, and a light is applied, prove to be touch-paper, the evidence is conclusive: "sweet niter" has been secretly given to the animal. Should both these tests fail, the groom is innocent, as other diuretics are unknown in the stable.
The horse should not be taken out while the prominent symptom lasts; it is languid; is unfit for work or even exercise. No brutality can quicken the body when the vital powers are exhausted; but inattention to the suggestion of mere humanity may change a slight and temporary evil into a severe and critical disorder—nephritis.
A pail of good linseed tea, made by pouring boiling water on whole linseeds, and afterward allowing the infusion to stand till lukewarm, should be constantly before the manger. The animal may drink according to the dictates of its condition. The linseed, when strained off and mixed with sound bruised and scalded oats, may be given as food. No hay or grass should be allowed. Attend to the grooming, although it is a sick horse and does not go out. Nothing relieves the kidneys more than the restored action of the skin. A ball may be given every day. It should consist of—
| Iodide of iron | One drachm. |
| Honey and linseed meal | A sufficiency. |
Or, should a drink be preferred, dilute—